Ohio State has found yet another superstar wide receiver.
Freshman Jeremiah Smith, who doesn’t even turn 19 until November 29, has been one of the biggest breakout players of the 2024 college football season so far, continuing a lineage of standout Buckeyes receivers that includes Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Through seven games, Smith has totaled 35 receptions for 623 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, including at least one score in every game.
The 18-year-old’s standout performances already has football fans wondering when he’ll be catching passes in the NFL. Here are the details to know on Smith’s future NFL Draft eligibility.
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When is Jeremiah Smith eligible for the NFL Draft?
Smith will not be eligible to declare for the NFL Draft until 2027.
Despite making his Buckeyes debut this season, Smith has already established himself as one of the most talented wide receivers in college football. He’s in his first season removed from high school though, and per NFL rules, players must be three years removed from high school and have used their collegiate eligibility to enter the NFL Draft.
The 18-year-old still has a long way to go in college before he can go to the league. Smith will have a lot more time in college to become the most complete receiver possible. He was a five-star recruit coming out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Florida, per 247Sports, and he’s certainly displayed that five-star talent in his first seven collegiate games.
Unfortunately for the rest of the Big Ten, unless he transfers, Smith will be in a Buckeyes uniform for at least the next two seasons.
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Jeremiah Smith NFL Draft projection
There aren’t many outlets focused on the 2027 NFL Draft right now, as its extremely difficult to predict how various young college players will look as prospects in a few years.
While Smith is already building a case to be selected in the first round in 2027, he has a long way to go before then. His development and health will be key over the coming years, but if he continues to produce the way he has so far, Smith could surely hear his name called early in the draft.
Harrison Jr., now an Arizona Cardinal, predicted in August that Smith will be a top-3 selection in the NFL Draft when he’s eligible.
— Marvin Harrison Jr. (@MarvHarrisonJr) August 31, 2024
Sportskeeda listed Smith as one of its 10 “promising prospects” for the 2027 NFL Draft class as well. The list also included Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams, South Carolina defensive end Dylan Stewart and Smith’s teammate with the Buckeyes, quarterback Julian Sayin.
Smith looks likely to someday be a big-name NFL wide receiver, but for now, he’s becoming one of the faces of Ohio State’s program.